First Ridge

Sydney architect John Nicholas and wife Helen have established a 20ha vineyard on undulating hillsides above the open valley below. The soils vary from shallow topsoils of basalt and quartz on the highest ridges to deeper loams over neutral clays. Barbera and sangiovese and vermentino are planted on the ridges; fiano, pinot grigio, tempranillo, shiraz and merlot on the deeper soils. The vineyard manager, Colin Millot, began work in McLaren Vale over 30 years ago, moving to Mudgee in 1995 to manage the Rosemount Hill of Gold and Mountain Blue vineyards. James Manners (son of famed chef Ned Manners) plays his part in realising the desire of the Nicholases to ‘enjoy tables of abundant food, friends and fiery conversation, not unlike a vibrant Italian table'. -JAMES HALLIDAY